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viii_o letter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n than_o any_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v show_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evil_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n also_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a equitable_a reasonable_a and_o necessary_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n my_o son_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v one_o of_o those_o evil_n advise_v person_n who_o say_v there_o be_v little_a evil_n in_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n create_v nature_n say_v they_o and_o can_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o follow_v it_o several_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v be_v of_o that_o mind_n they_o be_v give_v to_o lasciviousness_n and_o tell_v i_o that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v they_o for_o that_o see_v himself_o have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v it_o to_o multiply_v the_o world_n so_o 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will_v not_o promise_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v in_o his_o service_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o vain_a contentment_n but_o i_o promise_v you_o assure_o quiet_v of_o conscience_n tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n a_o inward_a peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v thing_n far_o more_o estimable_a than_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o impure_a contentment_n and_o abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n which_o can_v never_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n be_v they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v consequent_o be_v satisfy_v with_o material_a thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n perfect_o content_a and_o satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o love_v god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o a_o one_o who_o can_v be_v entire_o content_a for_o only_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a full_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n for_o they_o be_v little_a divinity_n which_o can_v be_v 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lose_v from_o they_o your_o heart_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o see_v they_o and_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v occupy_v in_o self-love_n remove_v they_o from_o a_o object_n so_o little_a lovely_a to_o place_v they_o in_o god_n who_o only_o merit_v your_o affection_n and_o nothing_o else_o protest_v then_o against_o that_o natural_a inclination_n of_o self-love_n and_o yield_v no_o more_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o nature_n but_o thing_n pure_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v your_o great_a enemy_n to_o which_o you_o must_v not_o furnish_v arm_n to_o fight_v against_o you_o the_o better_a you_o must_v know_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n war_n against_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o you_o yield_v to_o it_o so_o give_v it_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n you_o can_v even_o till_o you_o have_v overcome_v it_o withdraw_v then_o from_o it_o your_o affection_n you_o must_v restrain_v it_o as_o a_o horse_n with_o bridle_n that_o it_o kick_v not_o nor_o attempt_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o 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there_o if_o we_o do_v not_o retain_v it_o by_o force_n by_o bait_n and_o allurement_n of_o affection_n for_o earthly_a thing_n doubtless_o it_o will_v present_o fall_v into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v its_o centre_n and_o element_n where_o it_o can_v rest_v and_o recreate_v itself_o to_o satisfaction_n because_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n than_o god_n from_o who_o it_o proceed_v and_o it_o can_v never_o repose_v till_o it_o be_v return_v to_o he_o and_o when_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o remain_v out_o of_o its_o element_n it_o be_v as_o a_o fish_n which_o by_o net_n and_o line_n be_v force_v out_o of_o the_o water_n which_o be_v to_o it_o very_o disagreeable_a and_o cause_n to_o it_o death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o quick_o return_v into_o the_o water_n the_o same_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o net_n of_o earthly_a affection_n it_o must_v quick_o die_v because_o it_o can_v find_v 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christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n he_o call_v a_o yoke_n our_o natural_a inclination_n because_o we_o must_v constrain_v and_o retain_v they_o and_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o bear_v for_o if_o we_o follow_v they_o we_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o a_o thousand_o evil_n see_v nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n incline_v always_o to_o evil_a and_o these_o evil_n be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o weighty_a to_o bear_v i_o know_v well_o that_o to_o we_o it_o seem_v grievous_a that_o we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n follow_v our_o natural_a inclination_n but_o if_o we_o take_v on_o that_o yoke_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o will_v become_v light_a and_o easy_a to_o we_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v no_o person_n can_v dispense_v or_o excuse_v himself_o from_o bear_v it_o since_o our_o first_o father_n adam_n lay_v it_o on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v charge_v with_o the_o misery_n which_o sin_n bring_v upon_o human_a nature_n they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o heat_n cold_a intemperance_n of_o the_o air_n hunger_n thirst_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n to_o ignorance_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n of_o passion_n for_o sin_n have_v bring_v all_o these_o thing_n upon_o man_n nature_n which_o god_n create_v altogether_o perfect_a but_o since_o all_o man_n have_v partake_v of_o adam_n sin_n they_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o his_o penitence_n that_o be_v the_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v give_v man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o divine_a justice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n must_v bear_v that_o yoke_n will_v they_o or_o not_o
life_n be_v with_o incomparable_a purity_n evidence_n clearness_n and_o solidity_n in_o that_o soul_n which_o thou_o do_v sanctify_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o her_o holy_a write_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n that_o be_v there_o recommend_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v the_o only_a and_o the_o true_a way_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a truth_n there_o be_v none_o lord_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v put_v into_o the_o mouth_n in_o the_o write_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o most_o holy_a handmaid_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr i_o praise_v and_o bless_v and_o thank_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o have_v open_v and_o incline_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o heart_n thereto_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o love_v to_o observe_v and_o to_o maintain_v that_o heavenly_a truth_n unto_o death_n happy_a he_o that_o shall_v lose_v a_o thousand_o life_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_n happy_a he_o who_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o consideration_n leave_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v i_o by_o thy_o divine_a grace_n be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o after_o this_o short_a life_n of_o trial_n that_o most_o certain_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_v make_v i_o enjoy_v my_o sovereign_a end_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o happiness_n ever_o to_o adore_v and_o praise_v thy_o great_a majesty_n o_o jesus_n eternal_a god_n creator_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n while_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v reign_v glorious_o in_o all_o eternity_n amen_n revelation_n ch._n 3._o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o publisher_n this_o treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n whereof_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v extructive_a which_o build_v or_o establish_v and_o the_o other_o destructive_a which_o destroy_v or_o evert_v for_o the_o first_o ten_o letter_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o evert_v and_o root_v out_o what_o may_v hinder_v its_o increase_n to_o recommend_v virtue_n be_v take_v the_o precept_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n and_o example_n of_o it_o by_o which_o be_v make_v a_o introduction_n show_v what_o virtue_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n embrace_v and_o by_o what_o meanstend_v to_o they_o which_o be_v by_o obedience_n and_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n unto_o the_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v let._n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o nature_n of_o which_o humility_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o viz_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n lie_n under_o let._n 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o ought_v to_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o renounce_v our_o natural_a sense_n and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v of_o mere_a necessity_n we_o shall_v flee_v all_o pleasure_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n let._n 7_o 8._o which_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o incontinent_o possess_v the_o heart_n from_o which_o vicious_a affection_n be_v expel_v because_o of_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o sympathy_n between_o they_o as_o between_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o natural_a element_n in_o which_o love_n consist_v the_o essence_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o all_o good_a let._n 8_o 9_o 10._o concern_v the_o overturning_a and_o resist_a the_o impediment_n and_o tentation_n of_o satan_n be_v treat_v let._n 11._o whether_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o imagination_n or_o sensibility_n even_o spiritual_a let._n 12_o 13._o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n make_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n let._n 14._o or_o exciting_a we_o to_o external_a act_n or_o internal_a with_o vain_a glory_n or_o by_o deject_v we_o through_o immoderate_a mortification_n or_o in_o unseasonable_a good_a work_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n let._n 15_o 16._o or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o devil_n accuse_v he_o too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a of_o our_o sin_n let._n 17_o 18._o whether_o these_o tentation_n affect_v the_o will_n who_o godly_a fervour_n satan_n will_v extinguish_v by_o grief_n spiritual_a negligence_n and_o self-love_n as_o show_v let._n 19_o 20_o and_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v brief_o represente_v the_o whole_a subject_n handle_v in_o this_o divine_a treatise_n which_o be_v more_o special_o note_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o each_o letter_n that_o you_o may_v kind_a reader_n view_v as_o in_o a_o table_n and_o better_o retain_v in_o your_o memory_n the_o divine_a instruction_n therein_o deliver_v moreover_o you_o may_v with_o we_o well_o admire_v the_o infamous_a audacity_n of_o some_o as_o the_o churchman_n in_o holsatia_n whereby_o some_o year_n ago_o they_o cause_v that_o these_o so_o wholesome_a instruction_n while_o under_o the_o press_n in_o the_o german_a and_o low_a dutch_a tongue_n be_v take_v away_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o rent_n while_o i_o consider_v these_o obscure_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o scripture_n offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v and_o will_v do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n be_v reprove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o he_o who_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o truth_n for_o he_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n ch._n 3._o i_o pray_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o he_o gracious_o please_v to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n that_o you_o never_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n farewell_o to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a reader_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o impart_v unto_o you_o these_o twenty_o four_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v write_v to_o one_o of_o my_o particular_a friend_n where_o i_o show_v he_o what_o solid_a virtue_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o necessary_a for_o the_o present_a time_n when_o we_o see_v false_a virtue_n reign_n or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o apparent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o while_o so_o many_o person_n deceive_v themselves_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v true_a virtue_n whereas_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o fine_a speculation_n they_o think_v themselves_o humble_a when_o they_o can_v talk_v well_o of_o humility_n and_o think_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n only_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n when_o they_o say_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n see_v they_o think_v they_o may_v follow_v that_o corruption_n without_o sin_v provide_v they_o do_v no_o evil_a reprovable_a before_o man_n and_o have_v a_o will_v to_o do_v well_o and_o love_n god_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v save_v for_o good_a desire_n without_o effect_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o foundation_n stone_n serve_v to_o the_o build_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o without_o good_a desire_n we_o can_v do_v good_a work_n we_o must_v first_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o after_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n which_o be_v want_v to_o many_o person_n of_o a_o good_a will_n who_o content_n themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n and_o hope_v with_o that_o all_o shall_v go_v well_o without_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v to_o all_o in_o general_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_n now_o the_o evil_n be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o ignore_v yet_o few_o depart_n from_o that_o corruption_n and_o most_o love_n and_o follow_v it_o think_v they_o do_v well_o which_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n and_o presumption_n of_o spirit_n for_o we_o can_v do_v good_a except_o we_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o resist_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v it_o can_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n which_o few_o person_n comprehend_v and_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o no_o real_a one_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o cause_n print_v these_o twenty_o four_o
not_o have_v be_v nor_o existence_n for_o although_o man_n be_v above_o all_o the_o other_o creature_n yet_o he_o can_v give_v light_n nor_o heat_n to_o the_o sun_n nor_o sustain_v the_o water_n in_o the_o firmament_n nor_o fructtifie_v the_o earth_n all_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o a_o supreme_a cause_n who_o he_o may_v know_v by_o his_o operation_n his_o understanding_n can_v see_v clear_o even_o by_o his_o bodily_a eye_n in_o contemplate_v the_o beautiful_a order_n which_o be_v in_o all_o nature_n we_o need_v but_o consider_v the_o distinction_n of_o season_n the_o production_n of_o herb_n plant_n beast_n and_o of_o man_n and_o though_o we_o can_v see_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o can_v see_v his_o work_n palpable_o and_o visible_o the_o savage_a pagan_n do_v both_o know_v and_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n author_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v christian_n at_o present_a so_o unnatural_a that_o they_o dare_v say_v they_o know_v not_o god_n because_o they_o see_v he_o not_o with_o their_o fleshly_a eye_n and_o from_o that_o they_o will_v argue_v that_o they_o can_v love_v he_o because_o they_o know_v he_o not_o they_o render_v themselves_o in_o that_o like_a to_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v no_o spirit_n to_o perceive_v other_o than_o natural_a thing_n and_o see_v they_o as_o though_o they_o subsist_v by_o themselves_o but_o man_n have_v a_o spirit_n more_o noble_a than_o beast_n comprehend_v even_o by_o their_o natural_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n author_n of_o nature_n which_o engage_v some_o pagan_n to_o set_v up_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n some_o other_o of_o they_o at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n say_v either_o nature_n be_v a_o dissolve_v or_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n suffer_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n blush_v for_o shame_n who_o say_v they_o can_v love_v god_n who_o they_o see_v not_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o punish_v in_o hell_n than_o the_o pagan_n that_o have_v apply_v their_o spirit_n to_o know_v god_n by_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o study_n to_o know_v he_o neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o by_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o evangelical_n law_n beside_o that_o which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n these_o brutish_a christian_n must_v neither_o believe_v nature_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o say_v they_o can_v love_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v for_o though_o they_o know_v not_o god_n by_o his_o work_n which_o yet_o they_o see_v and_o touch_v they_o shall_v at_o least_o know_v he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o enjoin_v to_o love_n god_n if_o he_o be_v not_o see_v then_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o be_v consequent_o a_o object_n amiable_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o man_n be_v full_a of_o love_n aught_o to_o be_v easy_o carry_v to_o love_v he_o for_o love_n be_v always_o carry_v to_o good_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o he_o than_o to_o love_n god_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o good_a and_o beauty_n but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n man_n find_v now_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n come_v hence_o that_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v his_o spirit_n to_o discover_v and_o meditate_v the_o work_n and_o marvellous_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o so_o can_v know_v nor_o love_v he_o but_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o regard_v the_o earthly_a creature_n in_o themselves_o and_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o the_o little_a of_o good_a and_o beauty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n carry_v his_o affection_n to_o love_v the_o gross_a object_n which_o be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a to_o his_o stupid_a sense_n it_o be_v difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o love_n god_n they_o can_v love_v heavenly_a object_n while_o they_o regard_v only_o earthly_a one_o as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v eternal_a thing_n because_o they_o contemplate_v only_o transitory_a and_o that_o be_v not_o because_o of_o their_o incapacity_n see_v god_n have_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o love_v he_o but_o because_o by_o their_o free_a will_n they_o choose_v to_o love_v the_o vile_a creature_n more_o than_o he_o and_o it_o be_v that_o vicious_a choice_n make_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_n god_n and_o themselves_o make_v that_o impossibility_n they_o be_v like_o person_n who_o stay_v in_o a_o valley_n full_a of_o snow_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v cold_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v warm_v among_o that_o snow_n which_o be_v very_o true_a but_o if_o they_o will_v walk_v a_o little_a to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o snow_n and_o get_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n they_o shall_v well_o feel_v that_o it_o be_v full_a easy_a to_o become_v warm_a where_o the_o sun_n bestow_v his_o ray_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o earthly_a man_n who_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o snow_n of_o worldly_a lustre_n they_o say_v and_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v warm_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o very_o true_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n for_o nothing_o can_v warm_v they_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o there_o all_o be_v but_o snow_n which_o cool_v they_o he_o that_o have_v his_o pleasure_n in_o carnal_a thing_n can_v have_v they_o in_o spiritual_a and_o he_o that_o put_v his_o affection_n in_o perish_a good_n can_v have_v they_o in_o eternal_a one_o and_o he_o that_o take_v his_o pleasure_n here_o in_o sensuality_n can_v have_v they_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n see_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_n which_o can_v never_o abide_v together_o so_o long_o then_o as_o a_o man_n feel_v himself_o cold_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o token_n that_o he_o live_v yet_o in_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o valley_n of_o snow_n which_o be_v quencher_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o can_v then_o feel_v in_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o great_a difficulty_n to_o love_n god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n but_o if_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o affection_n to_o this_o valley_n of_o misery_n and_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a thing_n they_o shall_v soon_o feel_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n warm_v our_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n fill_v our_o heart_n which_o will_v not_o only_o find_v facility_n therein_o but_o also_o sweetness_n pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n see_v in_o effect_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v god_n for_o i_o i_o have_v experience_v that_o all_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n be_v bitter_a and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n only_o be_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a for_o when_o i_o love_v riches_n they_o give_v i_o abundance_n of_o trouble_n to_o preserve_v they_o when_o i_o love_v honour_n i_o find_v there_o many_o bitter_a and_o pierce_a displeasure_n when_o i_o be_v not_o esteem_v or_o honour_a as_o i_o wish_v so_o that_o sometime_o one_o sleight_n cause_v i_o more_o pain_n than_o a_o hundred_o honour_n have_v give_v i_o contentment_n when_o i_o love_v the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n i_o find_v there_o great_a bitterness_n because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o pleasure_n that_o carry_v not_o its_o own_o pain_n with_o it_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o taste_n breed_v poverty_n and_o disease_n and_o be_v insatiable_a they_o never_o satisfy_v no_o more_o than_o those_o of_o the_o flesh_n which_o resemble_v salt-water_n the_o more_o one_o drink_n the_o more_o drought_n i_o have_v remark_v that_o in_o several_a carnal_a person_n who_o after_o have_v ruin_v their_o body_n and_o health_n in_o satisfy_v their_o concupiscence_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o cure_v their_o infirmity_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v wallow_v yet_o 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of_o corruption_n which_o the_o great_a one_o have_v engender_v there_o and_o when_o it_o obey_v that_o corruption_n it_o obey_v the_o devil_n himself_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o as_o a_o man_n child_n be_v another_o man_n man_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a in_o that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o themselves_o preternatural_a evil_n and_o they_o call_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n a_o fragility_n without_o have_v ever_o serious_o consider_v whence_o that_o natural_a wickedness_n come_v to_o they_o god_n never_o create_v evil_a but_o he_o make_v man_n altogether_o perfect_a and_o with_o a_o inclination_n and_o will_n to_o good_a without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o wickedness_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_n which_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o nature_n must_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o itself_o may_v be_v call_v a_o devil_n see_v there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o he_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a but_o god_n so_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n march_v quiet_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o drive_v such_o with_o tentation_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o to_o see_v they_o go_v on_o know_v well_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v daily_o worse_o if_o they_o but_o follow_v simple_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o few_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v at_o death_n for_o during_o their_o life_n they_o think_v it_o be_v no_o evil_a to_o follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n yea_o say_v some_o god_n create_v nature_n and_o can_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o follow_v it_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a tentation_n and_o be_v a_o sentiment_n which_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o be_v true_a god_n create_v nature_n and_o will_v that_o man_n use_v it_o but_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o corrupt_v nature_n that_o man_n can_v no_o more_o use_n and_o follow_v it_o without_o sin_v since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v man_n can_v even_o do_v any_o natural_a function_n now_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v not_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a man_n eat_v and_o drink_v he_o do_v it_o with_o affection_n now_o that_o affection_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v to_o god_n alone_o so_o he_o sin_n when_o he_o turn_v it_o elsewhere_o and_o when_o he_o give_v his_o affection_n to_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_n or_o feel_v he_o love_v something_o else_o then_o god_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o place_v his_o affection_n on_o other_o thing_n beside_o he_o alone_o and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n put_v his_o affection_n on_o eat_v drink_v clothing_n or_o lie_v etc._n etc._n he_o be_v turn_v from_o all_o good_a which_o be_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o all_o evil_a which_o be_v the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a it_o be_v the_o same_o if_o we_o love_v our_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o exchange_v of_o affection_n cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o evil_a see_v it_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o good_a if_o then_o we_o will_v depart_v from_o all_o evil_a and_o possess_v all_o good_a we_o must_v of_o necessity_n resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v insensible_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o hell_n to_o follow_v corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o must_v die_v to_o yourself_o first_o if_o you_o will_v arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n see_v as_o long_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v not_o entire_o mortify_v in_o you_o you_o can_v live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o that_o you_o must_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o detest_v that_o old_a corruption_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v intrude_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o cause_v we_o all_o sort_n of_o evil._n notwithstanding_o the_o ignorant_a think_v it_o a_o happiness_n when_o they_o can_v follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n although_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o source_n of_o all_o evil_n which_o you_o may_v well_o see_v by_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v former_o deduce_v for_o although_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n and_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v sustain_v by_o aliment_n and_o also_o re-produce_a itself_o by_o generation_n yet_o he_o will_v always_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o entire_o without_o part_v god_n willing_o permit_v that_o man_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n for_o his_o necessity_n but_o he_o will_v also_o that_o we_o place_v not_o our_o affection_n and_o heart_n on_o these_o which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o himself_o only_o indivisible_o we_o may_v then_o well_o use_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o not_o fasten_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o for_o when_o in_o the_o beginning_n man_n be_v create_v in_o grace_n he_o do_v eat_v drink_v generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o that_o with_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n when_o he_o taste_v of_o good_a thing_n he_o praise_v god_n who_o have_v make_v they_o so_o savoury_a for_o he_o when_o he_o see_v beautiful_a thing_n he_o praise_v their_o author_n in_o admire_v those_o beauty_n if_o he_o smell_v good_a odour_n or_o hear_v pleasant_a melody_n or_o touch_v smooth_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n he_o rejoice_v in_o god_n bless_v he_o in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o 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suffer_v to_o have_v man_n favour_n and_o keep_v it_o how_o much_o toil_n to_o gain_v sufficient_o to_o maintain_v he_o honourable_o what_o device_n and_o cunning_a must_v he_o use_v to_o get_v esteem_n and_o to_o avoid_v contempt_n in_o fine_a he_o that_o serve_v the_o world_n have_v nothing_o but_o toil_n and_o disquiet_v but_o he_o that_o have_v resolve_v to_o quit_v it_o to_o serve_v god_n begin_v to_o be_v loose_v from_o the_o weighty_a yoke_n of_o please_v the_o world_n and_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o much_o more_o quiet_a and_o contentment_n which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o nature_n but_o if_o it_o please_v and_o fix_v itself_o upon_o these_o pleasure_n it_o will_v not_o advance_v in_o virtue_n but_o live_v in_o self-love_n instead_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n forward_o nature_n mighty_o in_o augment_v these_o sweetness_n and_o inward_a consolation_n to_o fix_v the_o person_n the_o more_o to_o they_o god_n bestow_v also_o sweetness_n and_o 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commit_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n but_o he_o that_o will_v evite_v these_o peril_n shall_v have_v spiritual_a diligence_n to_o watch_v over_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n to_o resist_v the_o corruption_n which_o sin_n have_v bring_v unto_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n that_o it_o can_v produce_v no_o more_o any_o good_a temporal_a or_o spiritual_a since_o retire_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n wherein_o be_v all_o good_a it_o be_v fall_v into_o self-love_n wherein_o be_v all_o evil_a which_o produce_v always_o its_o like_a so_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v by_o our_o natural_a motion_n it_o be_v altogether_o evil_a and_o sin_n and_o if_o you_o can_v well_o comprehend_v that_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v you_o shall_v always_o distrust_v yourself_o and_o never_o dare_v to_o do_v or_o undertake_v any_o thing_n if_o you_o will_v not_o do_v evil_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o man_n rashness_n and_o ignorance_n render_v he_o bold_a to_o undertake_v thing_n 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that_o you_o shall_v neglect_v eternal_a one_o as_o other_o merchant_n of_o your_o profession_n do_v yet_o who_o instead_o of_o labour_v for_o the_o gospel-pearl_n labour_v to_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o enemy_n of_o their_o soul_n without_o perceive_v it_o yea_o they_o think_v it_o a_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o they_o prosper_v in_o temporal_a affair_n but_o it_o be_v often_o a_o curse_n see_v god_n give_v his_o friend_n temporal_a adversity_n and_o reserve_v for_o they_o eternal_a joy_n but_o to_o man_n that_o have_v do_v some_o temporal_a good_a in_o this_o world_n but_o have_v not_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n recompense_v the_o temporal_a good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n with_o temporal_a prosperity_n because_o god_n leave_v no_o good_a without_o recompense_n nor_o evil_a without_o punishment_n wherefore_o i_o pray_v you_o my_o son_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a diligence_n that_o you_o let_v not_o one_o word_n or_o action_n escape_v that_o proceed_v from_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n see_v it_o produce_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v final_o lead_v you_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o labour_n to_o resist_v manful_o the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n by_o a_o spiritual_a diligence_n so_o you_o must_v always_o watch_v over_o your_o word_n and_o action_n that_o the_o devil_n gain_v you_o not_o by_o spiritual_a negligence_n which_o she_o wish_v you_o who_o love_v your_o soul_n husum_fw-la febr._fw-la 1._o 1674._o s_o vet_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o xxiii_o letter_n spiritual_a diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a diligence_n to_o watch_v over_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o proper_a will_n and_o to_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o moreover_o that_o spiritual_a negligence_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o all_o evil_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o damn_v we_o because_o it_o render_v our_o soul_n rude_a and_o like_a to_o a_o curse_a ground_n which_o bear_v only_a thorn_n and_o thistle_n and_o so_o be_v far_o from_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n my_o son_n i_o have_v entertain_v you_o large_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a diligence_n which_o we_o must_v have_v in_o this_o perilouslife_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v be_v save_v because_o of_o the_o many_o enemy_n we_o have_v to_o war_n against_o i_o must_v now_o show_v you_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o spiritual_a negligence_n cause_n it_o be_v a_o pest_n in_o the_o good_a air_n of_o virtue_n for_o although_o you_o have_v acquire_v a_o great_a number_n of_o virtue_n they_o can_v not_o subsist_v in_o your_o soul_n without_o spiritual_a diligence_n see_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v be_v free_a of_o enemy_n who_o attack_v we_o continual_o we_o may_v well_o be_v for_o some_o time_n in_o repose_n in_o virtue_n but_o that_o repose_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a combat_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o think_v to_o take_v rest_n as_o do_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v his_o grandery_n fill_v but_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o who_o shall_v then_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o have_v acquire_v so_o many_o virtue_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o spiritual_a diligence_n for_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v at_o death_n because_o they_o have_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o virtue_n have_v suffer_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o reign_v for_o if_o you_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o virtue_n to_o watch_v and_o be_v aware_a that_o vainglory_n insinuate_v not_o itself_o it_o will_v take_v away_o all_o the_o force_n and_o merit_n of_o your_o virtue_n see_v god_n say_v sacrificespb_n so_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o or_o with_o vainglory_n as_o when_o we_o artribute_v any_o good_a unto_o ourselves_o see_v we_o be_v true_o fill_v with_o all_o evil_n where_o be_v no_o good_a for_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n that_o there_o remain_v to_o he_o no_o good_a spiritual_a or_o temporal_a so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o truth_n say_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o in_o man_n after_o sin_n but_o ignorance_n malice_n and_o power_n to_o do_v evil_a i_o know_v my_o son_n you_o have_v to_o oppose_v that_o man_n by_o his_o nature_n can_v do_v some_o good_a as_o we_o see_v the_o wicked_a do_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o temporal_a affair_n they_o gain_v money_n and_o assist_v their_o neighbour_n one_o can_v write_v well_o another_o make_v account_n one_o can_v paint_v well_o another_o be_v a_o good_a carpenter_n or_o other_o mechanic_n which_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o present_a life_n how_o then_o can_v we_o say_v with_o truth_n that_o man_n can_v do_v no_o good_a even_o in_o temporal_n it_o appear_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v explain_v myself_o that_o i_o be_v not_o argue_v of_o falsehood_n i_o know_v that_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a believe_v that_o they_o have_v something_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o true_a in_o regard_n of_o some_o even_o imperfect_a before_o god_n such_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o exercise_v some_o art_n or_o trade_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v i_o experience_v that_o in_o the_o girl_n of_o my_o hospital_n at_o lisle_n for_o they_o do_v very_o well_o what_o i_o have_v teach_v they_o though_o otherways_o i_o know_v that_o they_o have_v give_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v join_v to_o he_o by_o explicit_a compact_n that_o do_v not_o hinder_v that_o they_o shall_v learn_v well_o to_o sew_v cleanse_v spinn_n read_v and_o write_v and_o manage_v housholdrey_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v very_o well_o so_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o to_o be_v true_a which_o i_o aver_v viz._n that_o man_n have_v nothing_o good_a in_o he_o and_o can_v do_v no_o good_a for_o we_o see_v they_o do_v several_a good_n thing_n even_o to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o all_o the_o good_a they_o do_v proceed_v not_o from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v it_o on_o they_o by_o particular_a grace_n and_o mercy_n or_o else_o they_o have_v learn_v it_o of_o other_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o man_n have_v not_o of_o himself_o any_o thing_n but_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a